Graze and making your own portion controlled snax!

I got my Graze sample box today!

So, I had seen Graze online, and that you could get a free sample box. Cool! I signed up. You have to sign up for your subscription when you sign up for the free box, and they will bill you for the first box before you even receive your sample box. However, you can put your boxes on vacation to avoid this! You can also choose the frequency of your boxes, as well as rate snacks.

I got the box today, and I tried one of the snacks before I thought of taking a picture. The snack I tried was a dried fruit and gummy ("peach gem") combo. It was fine, but nothing I can't find locally. After taking a few pix, I tried the Sour Cream & Garlic Crostini. YAWN! I don't appreciate having cashews with sour cream powder on them, and the over-all flavour of the snack is dull. I'm not looking forward to those Thai Bites, even though I like Thai food... I have since used mouthwash, and cancelled my subscription. 

Graze might work from some people. I won't deny that there is appeal to having your snacks portion controlled for you. And the choices might work for some, and not for others. It's a matter of taste. This just isn't to my taste. I think the snacks are too small, and that they are a little over-priced for the portion.

Good news! You can do this for yourself! Here are some tips to making your own portion controlled snax! 

1) Go to your supermarket and look for snack size baggies and the small, inexpensive plastic containers that are usually found with the baggies and aluminum foil. I shop at Publix and these items are put together. You can often find store brands that don't cost too much. I took a photo of one of mine... it's seen some use, so it isn't as pretty as when they're brand new. 

2) Buy the snacks you like! If you're trying to lose some weight, lean towards the trail mixes, nuts, fresh fruit or veggies, etc... Even if you're getting some cookies and chips, using these can help keep snacking under control. I also recommend going to some different stores and checking out their selection. I shop at Publix, but I go to the nearby Whole Foods from time to time for variety, and hit Fresh Market up as well. I even like trying things from ethnic stores, like the Indian Supermarket. I also get things from farmer's markets from time to time.

3) Divide up your snacks in a manner that works best for you. Maybe you keep a bag or container with your bag of trail mix, and just fill it when you want a snack. Maybe you will portion out your snacks as soon as you open a package or get home from the store. Maybe you'll only portion out in advance the snacks you take to work and portion up your home snacks as needed. It's all up to you.

4) Hit it internet and look for some snacks you can make yourself, and then portion them up. Every now and then I like to make a sweet & tangy walnuts recipe that uses rosemary and Worcester sauce. Make cookies, savory crackers, spiced nuts, your own trail mix and/or granola bars. The sky's the limit. There are so many recipes to be found online! If you're on Pinterest, check out the food boards there. I often find recipes on Pinterest that my pals have pinned from various sites. 

So, why waste money with subscription snack boxes when you can do it yourself with just a little bit of effort. In fact, you can probably do a better job because you know what YOU like! How awesome your snacks are is up to you and how much time and effort you want to put into it. While I do like to bake, and make things for myself, I also get lazy and go with what I can find at the stores. Just have fun with it.

Now, I do encourage people to read labels. At least have an idea of what's in your food - especially pre-made items. Try to stick to the recommended serving where possible. And combine things... have some trail mix if you're still peckish after eating the 2-4 cookies in the recommended serving size. Don't be afraid of the 100-calorie snacks... they're usually good! And don't be afraid to try some new things. I had a "Miss" with this Graze box, but I've had some "Hits" when I've gone shopping for snacks, like the chili-lime cashews I got from a farmer's market a couple months back and need to go find again...

Take care, and Happy Snacking!